CHESHIRE Trading Standards has issued a warning to residents to be aware of rogue traders trying to con money out of people whose homes have been damaged by the high winds.

People are being advised to say 'no' if they receive a knock on their front door from someone uninvited who wants to carry out repairs or fell trees, and report the issue to Trading Standards on 0845 11 32500.

Councils are also alerting residents to be on their guard against unscrupulous workmen offering poor quality services at over-inflated prices and not to listen to scare stories that are rarely true.

Cllr Hazel Harding, chair of the Local Government Association's Safer Communities Board, said: 'Checking credentials is paramount at this time. If a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Nobody should ever feel pressurised in their home to handing over money or find themselves in a position where they feel unsafe.

'Councils are taking a stand against professional gangs who are out to target vulnerable people.'